Device for continuously regulating the intensity of the luminous flow projected towards the radiant energy carriers

ABSTRACT

A device for continuous regulation at will of the luminous intensity, transmitted by a luminous source to a radiant energy carrier, wherein there are provided: an opaque or matt box design body of circular section, provided at its two bases with two cylindrical openings, projecting to the outside and coaxial to each other one of which is elastic and serves as attachment for the terminal of a radiant energy carrier, whereas the other one is provided with a conductor for the current supply and a cylindrical support for a lamp having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the cylindrical opening, said lamp being applied to a support; the latter is provided laterally with a flexible, peripheric metal blade, surrounding it at least partially, and a knob fitted in the opposite portion relative to that in which there is fastened the lamp.

United States Patent 11 1 [in 3,891,841

Codrino l June 24, 1975 I5 DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY 3,654,452 4/1972 Frey et al .7 240/816 T OF 3 18314 2/1973 Slyke 240 LP 3.775,606 ll/l973 Bazell Ct al. 240/l LP LUMINOUS FLOW PROJECTED TOWARDS THE RADIANT ENERGY CARRIERS Primary E.raminer-Richard I. Moses [76] Inventor. Giuseppe Codrino, Via Stazione, Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Michael Sr Striker 15028 Quattordio (Alessandria), Italy {57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Feb. 6, 1974 A device for continuous regulation at will of the luminous intensity, transmitted by a luminous source to a radiant energy carrier, wherein there are provided: an opaque or matt box design body of circular section,

[21] Appl. No.: 440,041

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data provided at its two bases with two cylindrical open- Mar. l, I973 Italy 210 73 ings Projecting the Outside and Coaxial each other one of which is elastic and serves as attachment [52] s Cl 240/] LP; 240/2. 240/8 16 for the terminal of a radiant energy carrier, whereas 5| l rm. Cl. F21 the other one is Provided with a conductor for the {531 Field of Search H 240/ LP 2., 47, 816; rent supply and a cylindrical support for a lamp having 355/67; 350/96 R a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the cylindrical opening, said lamp being applied to a 56] References (med support; the latter is provided laterally with a flexible,

peripheric metal blade, surrounding it at least par- UNITED STATES PATENTS tially, and a knob fitted in the opposite portion rela- 2,255.3l9 9/l94l Kanter 355/67 five to that i which there is fastened ha p 3,278,739 l0/l966 Royka ct al..... 240/816 X 3,382,353 5/1968 Wapplcr 240/! LP 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 3 l l l PATENTEDJUH 24 I975 SHEET PATENTEnJuu 24 ms SHEET DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY REGULATING THE INTENSITY OF THE LUMINOUS FLOW PROJECTED TOWARDS THE RADIANT ENERGY CARRIERS This invention relates to a device, adapted to insure a continuous regulation of the intensity of the luminous flow, provided to the radiant energy carriers for the lighting of instruments in general.

As well known for the lighting of the instruments placed on the instrument board of motor vehicles lightguides may be advantageously used.

In view of their particular structure they have in fact the characteristic of transporting a light beam emitted by a source to indifferently disposed points relative to the source itself.

The device according to the present invention permits a regulation of the luminous intensity of the light beam sent to the aforementioned light-guides.

Such a possibility is extremely useful in practice to obtain a preferential lighting of the various instruments; such lighting may be more or less attenuated at the driver's discretion.

More accurately, this invention is made up of an opaque box-shaped element, of preferably circular cross-section, which is provided with an equally circular projecting opening at one of its bases.

Through said opening there is inserted a lamp provided with related attachment, connected to a knob.

Axiall y to said lamp there is formed in the other base of the box-design body a projecting opening, serving as an elastic attachment, in which there is inserted the terminal of a beam of radiant energy carriers.

By taking into account that the intensity of the flow attenuates in a quadratic proportion as the distance between the source and the lighted surface increases, it is sufficient to obtain the required regulation to bring the lamp close to and far from the end of the radiant energy carriers.

To this end, the attachment of the lamp is connected to the related seat, formed in the base of the box-design body by a helical coupling so that the rotation of the knob, connected to the attachment itself, involves a variation of the distance between the source of irradiation and the irradiated surface.

Alternatively, the same result may be attained by sliding fit coupling between the attachment of the lamp and the related seat.

In such event, bringing the source close to and far from the irradiated surface is obtained instead of by a rotation, by a sliding of the lamp attachment in its seat.

These and further characteristic features of a functional and constructional nature of the device according to the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the various figures on the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents in schematic form a longitudinal section of the device;

FIG. 2 shows in schematic form a longitudinal section of the device with the luminous source and related attachment removed;

FIG. 3 represents the cross section of the lamp attachment, contained in its seat;

FIG. 4 shows in schematic form the longitudinal section of a device, in which the connection between the lamp attachment and related seat on the box-shaped element is arranged by sliding fix coupling,

FIGS. 5 and 6 represent the device in FIG. 4, in which the lamp is located in the intermediate and lower extreme positions, respectily, relative to the radiant energy carriers.

Referring now to the numeric symbols given in the various figures on the accompanying drawing, the de vice of this invention for the luminous supply with adjustable intensity of a light-guide beam consists of a box-shaped element 1, showing preferably a cylindrical configuration which is formed with a recess 11 that is bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface I2 and a longitudinally spaced wall portion 13.

Said box-design body is obtained from any plastic or metal material of suitable type, provided it is opaque, at one of its bases of one seat 2 being also of cylindrical configuration.

Said box-shaped element is obtained from any plastic or metal material of suitable type, provided it is opaque, at one of its bases of one seat 2 being also cylindrical on the internal surface of which there is formed a helical passage 2' showing a conveniently wide pitch.

Into said seat inserts itself the cylindrical support 3 of a lamp 7, showing a smaller outside diameter than that of the seat itself (internal diameter) and on the external surface a helical projection 3'.

The support 3 is provided further with a flexible, peripheral metal blade 4, surrounding it at least partially and permitting the contact with the current supply conductor 5.

The helical projection 3' has the same thickness as the seat 2, into which it may be screwed.

Said support 3 is further provided on the opposite portion, relative to that in which the lamp 7 is fastened, with a knob 6, being so shaped and dimensioned as to facilitate the rotation in both directions of the support itself.

Axially to the lamp 7 and in the opposite base of the box-shaped element 1 and coaxially to the seat 2 there is disposed an elastic cylindrical attachment 8, adapted to act as connecting member for the terminal 9 of a beam of radiant energy carriers 10.

Alternatively, the seat 2 and the support 3 may show perfectly smooth walls; in this case, their coupling may be a sliding fix.

In this second case, there is provided the application to the support 3 of an end limit with a view to avoiding its full removal from the seat 2 during the regulation of the luminous intensity, supplied to the radiant energy carrier.

From the foregoing specification and perusal of FIGS. 1-6 the accompanying drawings one may easily see the great functional character and the practical application, characterizing the device of this invention.

Said device has been previously described by making reference to the various figures on the accompanying drawings, representing a preferred but non-limiting embodiment form given by way of example.

Needless to say, several changes and modifications as to shape and dimensions may be introduced in the device of this invention upon putting it into effect, as well as in its components, without departing from the scope of this invention.

What we claim is:

1. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in variable lighting of the instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion, said first element including securing means and abutment means; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projectingsaid radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess through the other of said open ends of said first element and being fixedly mounted therein so as to fixedly mount said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means being limited by said abutment means so as to limit said axial movement of said radiant energy source towards said fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers to a predetermined distance when said second element is received in said recess.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first element comprises a transversely spaced aperture at said wall portion formed in said first element and communicating with said recess.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said radiant energy source further comprises a current source, said current source having a first electrically conductive element inserted through said aperture formed in said first element and overlying said inner peripheral wall surface.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second element comprises a second electrically conductive element at least partially circumferentially surrounding said second element and overlying said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface so as to be constantly juxtaposed into direct electrical conducting contact withe said first electrically conductive element.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said current source further comprises fastening means for fastening said first conductive element to said inner peripheral wall surface of said first tlement.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second element comprises a guide knob transversely located from said radiant energy source for guiding said second element into said recess.

7. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of one of said open ends of said first element so that said second element is receivable with clearance in said recess through said one open end and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess through the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers.

8. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess to the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means comprising two cooperating structures, one of said cooperating structures being located on the outer circumferential surface of said second element, and the other of said cooperating structures being located on said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface so as to engage said one cooperating structure when said second element is r0- tatably inserted into said recess.

9. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall 'portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess to one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with cle arance in said recess to the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means comprising a sliding cooperative structure. said sliding cooperative structure frictionally engaging said second element with said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface.

10. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity. particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers inbundle of radiant energy carrying fibers.

* l I I! 

1. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in variable lighting of the instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an Inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion, said first element including securing means and abutment means; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess through the other of said open ends of said first element and being fixedly mounted therein so as to fixedly mount said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means being limited by said abutment means so as to limit said axial movement of said radiant energy source towards said fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers to a predetermined distance when said second element is received in said recess.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first element comprises a transversely spaced aperture at said wall portion formed in said first element and communicating with said recess.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said radiant energy source further comprises a current source, said current source having a first electrically conductive element inserted through said aperture formed in said first element and overlying said inner peripheral wall surface.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second element comprises a second electrically conductive element at least partially circumferentially surrounding said second element and overlying said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface so as to be constantly juxtaposed into direct electrical conducting contact withe said first electrically conductive element.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said current source further comprises fastening means for fastening said first conductive element to said inner peripheral wall surface of said first tlement.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second element comprises a guide knob transversely located from said radiant energy source for guiding said second element into said recess.
 7. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of one of said open ends of said first element so that said second element is receivable with clearance in said recess through said one open end and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess through the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers.
 8. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, Comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess to the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means comprising two cooperating structures, one of said cooperating structures being located on the outer circumferential surface of said second element, and the other of said cooperating structures being located on said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface so as to engage said one cooperating structure when said second element is rotatably inserted into said recess.
 9. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess to one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess to the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carriers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carriers, said movement means comprising a sliding cooperative structure, said sliding cooperative structure frictionally engaging said second element with said portion of said inner peripheral wall surface.
 10. An apparatus for continuously regulating luminous intensity, particularly for use in the variable lighting of instrument panels of motor vehicles or the like, comprising a first element formed with a recess bounded by an inner peripheral wall surface and having two open ends and a longitudinally spaced wall portion; a second element receivable with clearance in said recess through one of said open ends and overlying a portion of said inner peripheral wall surface; a radiant energy source accommodated in said second element and projecting said radiant energy onto said inner peripheral wall surface when said second element is received in said recess; a bundle of radiant energy carriers including a bundle of radiant energy carrying fibers receiving said radiant energy and conducting said radiant energy away from said first element; a third element receivable with clearance in said recess through the other of said open ends of said first element and fixedly mounting said bundle of radiant energy carrying fibers in said other open end; and movement means for continuously varying the axial position of said radiant energy source with respect to the fixed position of said bundle of radiant energy carrying fibers. 